One reason Seattle is a Super Bowl contender is because Thomas has helped the defense become one of the NFL's best.

"My freshman year, I used to watch him run around the field, practicing full speed with full intensity," Vaccaro said. "I try to model my game after him."

Vaccaro has good size (6-0, 214) and decent speed (4.59 in the 40). He can hit and cover. He has the range and instincts to play deep and be the last line of defense. But he also is strong and physical enough to play around the line of scrimmage.

Among the teams that need a safety like Vaccaro are St. Louis (16th and 22nd in the first round) and Dallas (18).

"I think I can bring a lot to a team, being versatile and being able to play a number of positions," Vaccaro said. "I played both safeties, strong and free. I played nickel. I played dime.

"In some instances, I played corner. We had two great corners. But most of the time, I played corner in one-on-ones in practice."

Vaccaro knows safety isn't a priority position like cornerback. He thinks it is time for teams to change that strategy.

"I think people are starting to appreciate safeties more, now that tight ends are turning into freaks and controlling the middle of the field," he said. "So you've got to have a safety who can cover and come up and hit.

"I just think I'm versatile. I understand concepts. I think I can line guys up. I can be a quarterback of the defense and bring that athleticism on the back end."

Vaccaro could wind up being teammates with one of the toughest players he faced in college - West Virginia receiver Tavon Austin, whose stock is climbing so fast he might be the highest-rated player at his position.

With their two first-round picks, the Rams could take Austin and Vaccaro. Or Vaccaro and Austin.

"He's a great player, one of the most explosive players in the country, and I'd say I was right there with him when we went at it the whole game," Vaccaro said.

Vaccaro doesn't lack confidence. When asked who's the best safety in the draft, he laughed and said, "I think I bring the most to the table."